Diabetic Diet PlansChange Your Lifestyle Now

Diabetic diet plans are recommended for those who have or are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It aims to regulate blood glucose levels and in combination with regular physical activity, assist in maintaining or reducing weight.

As a healthy lifestyle choice, they are adaptable for just about anyone and will provide an extensive range
of positive health benefits; including but certainly not limited to weight
control.

Diabetes
is the general term used for the group of metabolic diseases all involving
Insulin, the hormone responsible for converting the energy in food into energy
the body can use. Ideally we need to maintain a constant blood glucose (sugar)
level.

Sugar Levels Too High or Too Low Can Lead to Serious & Immediate Long Term Health Problems

In type 1 diabetes the
body can no longer produce insulin and levels must be controlled by daily
injections. Whilst it is essential to maintain a healthy diet and level of
physical activity when suffering from type 1 diabetes, lifestyle factors are
not the cause and as such will not alleviate symptoms.

On
the other hand, type 2 diabetes is a
progressive disease and can be closely if not directly linked to poor diet,
exercise and lifestyle choices. Sadly
the occurrence of type 2 diabetes in younger people and children is on the
increase. It occurs when the body can no
longer use or produce its own insulin as effectively (also known as insulin
resistance) and is most often associated with being overweight, particularly
when the excess weight is stored around the abdomen (apple rather than pear
shape).

Certain
risk factors do exist in which the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes is
increased such as genetic predisposition (family history), age and race.
Obviously these factors are beyond our control, however by developing and
maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise program, type 2 diabetes, and
pre-diabetes can be slowed, controlled or even avoided altogether.

The
good news is diabetic diet plans are not excessively
restrictive or bland and suitable for most regular dietary needs as it is
particularly nutritious and well balanced - handy when feeding an entire
family!

Essentially
when trying diabetic diet plans there are a few simple rules you need to
follow:

Know
your carbohydrates (simple vs. complex) and choose those which are high in
fibre and low on the Glycemic Index scale (low GI).

Opt
for unprocessed complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, honey and
vegetables.

Run
& hide from those processed carbs such as white flour and sugar!
Avoid fats, especially saturated fats.
Choose lean meats and consider the way food is prepared; grill or bake
rather than fry.

Eat
regular meals and or snacks throughout the day and balance food intake
(calories consumed) with energy use (calories burnt). There are many tools
available online to determine how many calories you burn in a regular day.

You
need a balance of fats, proteins and carbohydrates for proper body
function. To determine this exact ratio
and ensure you are getting a nutritionally balanced diet it is best to consult
a qualified dietician. If you have any concerns that you may be at risk of
developing type 2 diabetes, please contact your doctor. Without correct management diabetes is a
potentially devastating disease.